Zhulan, a step slower to react than her daughter, finally said, "Old Zhou, bring him up here quickly."
Old Zhou unwrapped the firewood from the child's body and casually tossed it onto the ox cart before he picked up the child, muttering, "What a sin!"
Zhulan, not minding the child's tattered clothes, touched his forehead, which was even hotter than Zhou Shuren had initially felt—such a fever could turn a child into an idiot if not treated, "Hurry, back home."
They needed to cool him down first; heading straight to the doctor wouldn't help since there were no specific medicines in ancient times, and brewing medicine took time—she feared it might be too late and cause damage.
Fortunately, they were close to home. Upon arrival, Zhulan signaled Xue Han to fetch water and indicated Old Zhou to carry the child to the main house.
Zhou Shuren instructed his second eldest son who came to meet them, "First, take the things down from the cart, then go to the county to fetch the doctor."
